Palaszczuk Government shares blueprint to lure students to Cairns

The state’s best and brightest minds in international education will today meet in Cairns as part of the region’s first ever international education and training summit.

Member for Cairns Michael Healy said 240 agents, experts and stakeholders would attend the summit to discuss the government’s strategy to grow Queensland’s $4 billion international education sector over the next 10 years.

“This industry is worth about $70 million in export revenue and supports nearly 300 jobs in Cairns. We know this number can grow if we invest funds to better capture the short stay student market.” he said.

“Today’s summit is all about getting the best brains in the business brainstorming new strategies about how best to market places like Cairns to international students.

“International education is our second largest service export after tourism. It’s important that we’re all on the same page, that’s another important reason why we’re convening in one of Queensland’s most important study destinations – Cairns.

“Tropical North Queensland is one of the most sought-after tourism destinations on the planet and with world-class education institutions, it makes sense for the government to invest in international education in this market.”

Mr Healy said he was also proud to announce more than $200,000 in funding to ensure the future of the Cairns Student Hub.

“I’ve lobbied for this funding which will ensure the Cairns Student Hub continues to operate up until 2020,” he said.

“When it comes to growing our enrolments numbers in Cairns, it’s vitally important that students have a place where they belong – this student hub does exactly that.

“The hub is also important when it comes to fielding inquiries from prospective students, keen to find out what Tropical North Queensland has to offer visitors who want to take advantage of our world-class education system.”

The state’s first international education summit comes a day after Tourism Industry Development Minister and Ministerial Champion for International Education Kate Jones arrived in Cairns to chair a meeting of the state’s peak advisory council on international education.

It was only the second time in history the International Education and Training Advisory Panel convened outside of Brisbane.

“Regions like Cairns are an important part of our strategy to significantly grow Queensland’s international education sector by 2026,” Ms Jones said.

“We’re investing more than $25 million over five years to bring more students to Queensland to experience what we have to offer.

“This week’s summit also coincides with the launch of Study Queensland’s new marketing campaign which is all about saying to students - no matter what you hope to achieve in your career, Queensland is the place to make it happen.”

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